Friday 17 April 2026, 10.30am
We have been fortunate to be able to organise a private tour of the grounds and buildings of Royal Hospital Chelsea, conducted by the Head of Grounds and Gardens, Ric Glenn, formerly of Dulwich Park. We will be shown the historic and heritage landscaping around the Wren buildings, plus the less formal Ranelagh gardens, two small gardens in the grounds that started life as Chelsea Flower Show exhibits, Ric's own dry garden, the allotments and the greenhouses; the tour will be completed with a visit to the Great Hall and the very beautiful Chapel, led by a Chelsea Pensioner guide. The tour will last 1½ to 2 hours and will involve a fair amount of (flat) walking. There are ample toilets, a cafe, shop and small museum.
We will meet at the Soane Stable yard, accessed via the Chelsea Gate. A map with comprehensive transport instructions will be sent to all participants. Tickets £16, available here.